River levels may be lower than a week ago, but the water still poses a risk to those who venture to its shores at this time of year.
Pat MacIsaac, acting fire chief for the Town of Okotoks, said the Sheep River is currently well within the norms for both flow and height.
“Normal flows are between 50 to 40 cubic metres per second for this time of year and today (May 28) it’s flowing about 30 metres per second,” said MacIsaac.
After a few days of rain the week before, the river had peaked at 120 cubic metres per second and had risen significantly. It has now dropped 80 centimetres in height after a week of dry weather.
He said high-stream advisories typically come in when the flow rates climb closer to 300 cubic metres per second.
While the Sheep has slowed for the time being, he said it’s never possible to determine whether flooding will occur as circumstances can change by the day or week.
This year’s snow pack is higher than last year, and slightly higher than average years, he said.
But it’s precipitation in the coming weeks that will have the biggest impact.
“Precipitation is a huge factor, the most significant factor in river levels and how that could potentially lead to flooding,” said MacIsaac. “The ground is a bit more saturated than it was last year, there’s more water in the ground, but the precipitation is going to be the major thing.”
Having a dry week forecasted to kick off June eases some anxiety around flooding, he said.
“Obviously this is Alberta, things can change in a heartbeat, so we can never let our guard down,” said MacIsaac.
He said a number of Town staff are dedicated to watching weather forecasts and river levels to provide a sufficient heads-up should problems begin to arise.
Even as river levels slow, he said that doesn’t mean it’s safe for residents to get into the water during the warm weather forecasted over the next few days.
When the fire rescue boat got beached on driftwood May 24, the flow was within normal range, albeit high-normal at 40 cubic metres per second, he said.
“The river is not very forgiving,” said MacIsaac. “Just because it’s normal flow, this is a stream that’s fed from the mountains, it’s running fast. It’s amazing how much power water has.”
It’s important for people to recognize the force water plays on them, particularly when it’s fast-flowing.
He said the last thing anyone wants is to be pulling people out of the river if they get themselves into a frightening situation.
“I grew up around water and I get people want to be close to water, but you sure have to respect it,” said MacIsaac.
Krista Conrad, OkotoksToday.ca
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